Cargo carrier West Atlantic Airlines will lease four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters from GE Capital Aviation Services.

West Atlantic will become the first carrier to take delivery of the type, which was launched by Boeing in 2016.

“We’re excited to be the first operator of the 737-800BCF,” said Fredrik Groth, CEO of West Atlantic. “The additional capacity and Next Generation efficiency offered by this new aircraft will deliver real benefit to our customers and we’re delighted to be at the forefront of deliveries of this new technology. The 737-800BCF will be an enabler for us to make a leap in reliability, capacity, and ability to expand in areas of the world away from our traditional markets, such as Asia.”

According to GECAS, which provided the prototype aircraft to Boeing, the first aircraft is undergoing conversion at Boeing’s modification facility in Shanghai. Subsequent aircraft will be delivered in 2018 and 2019.

“GECAS is proud to provide these 737-800 converted freighters to West Atlantic,” said Richard Greener, SVP and manager of cargo at GECAS. “Transitioning into the Next Generation 737 is a logical step as West Atlantic defines its future fleet requirements.”

The 737-800BCF will be powered by two CFM56-7B engines and can carry up to 23.9 tonnes of cargo with its 12 maindeck positions. It will have a range of over 2,000 nautical miles.

The West Atlantic Group operates an all-cargo fleet of more than 50 aircraft, consisting of 737s, 767s, Bombardier CRJ200s and British Aerospace ATPs.